Honda Civic Type R Starting at $40,107 in the UK, Available in July

Honda UK has announced pricing and release information on the eagerly-anticipated Civic Type R today. The fastest front-wheel-drive production car around the Nurburgring will cost British buyers at least £30,995 (which translates to precisely $40,107 at today's exchange rates). Following a two-model system supposedly coming to other markets in the Type R's second model year, UK Honda fans have the option of a more well-equipped GT model that brings the MSRP to £32,995 (aka $42,692). The Civic Type R GT comes with a slew of mainly electronic and convenience goodies such as "blind spot information including cross traffic monitor, dual zone climate control, auto dimming rear view mirror, Honda CONNECT with Garmin Navigation, wireless charging, high power audio, and LED front fog lights." Both models come exclusive with a six-speed manual with a rev match control system.

In the UK at least, Honda's hottest Civic undercuts the Subaru WRX STI by just £1,000 and has a list price £2,000 more than that of the Ford Focus RS. However, I challenge anyone to actually find a Focus RS for sale at list price. Hopefully Honda dealers steer clear from the frankly ridiculous practice of marking up cars they know people really want, for all of our sakes.